Kylemore Lough is hoping to pay back to the meticulous and patient race planning by Harry Fry, as he heads a field of eighteen in the BetVictor Gold Cup (2:25).
The former Ryanair Gold Cup winner in Ireland, enjoyed a solid campaign with former trainer Kerry Lee last season, finishing midfield in the Cotswolds and Mildmay and also a close fifth in the December Gold Cup.
He is only 2lb for his defeat to Frodon eleven months ago, and a big run is expected from the eight-year-old who goes best first time out.
"We've been grafting away at home and we are happy with his progress and what he has shown us," said Fry.
"He was top weight when fifth in the Caspian Caviar off 2lb higher than what he goes into Saturday's race.
“He has got a good record fresh as well, hence why we targeted the BetVictor when we mapped out his campaign.
"The nice thing is that he turned up at the end of May. We were able to assess him, give him a break and start afresh with him. It is not as though he turned up a couple of weeks ago.
"This was always going to be his starting point."
Embed from Getty Images
Paul Nicholls landed this race with Al Ferof in 2012, and Caid Du Berlias in 2014
Paul Nicholls is double handed in the Gold Cup, with Le Prezien and Romain De Senam taking their chance for the master of Ditcheat.The former finished a close second in a handicap here last month, and will appreciate the step-up in trip, whilst Romain De Senam is two from two this season and looks a progressive type.
"I find it impossible to split my two in the BetVictor Gold Cup," Nicholls told his Betfair blog.
"I thought Le Prezien ran a cracker on his seasonal debut at this track three weeks ago when he only just failed to reel in the bold jumping leader Foxtail Hill.
"He jumped very well that day which he wasn't doing at the end of last season. We have worked hard on his schooling this autumn and you could see the benefit of that last time.
"Although he was raised six pounds for that run the step up in trip to two and a half miles should be in his favour. I'm very happy with Le Prezien and on his best form I'd say he has a big chance.
"Romain de Senam is now racing off a mark twelve pounds higher since the start of the season he should get the strong gallop that he needs here and he is at his best going left handed.
"He does need a bit of luck in running making his challenge from off the pace and if he gets it I expect him to run a major player at the finish."
Former Festival winner Ballyalton was an encouraging listed sixth for Ian Williams last month, and may improve now reverting back to chasing. Stararchitect comes here following a three length win at Stratford.
Nigel Twiston-Davies is double handed with Foxtail Hill and Splash Of Ginge, whilst Nicky Henderson runs Theinval and Days Of Heaven.
Jamie Snowden's Double Treasure is seeking a fourth straight victory, whilst the likes of Guitar Pete, Viconte Du Noyer, Aqua Dude and Bentelimar all have chances.
No comments:
Post a Comment